A leading figure in the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Umar Ardo, has insisted that the withdrawal of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi from the party’s registration committee should not derail the process.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, Ardo explained that Amaechi had chaired the committee established to handle ADA’s registration, while Atiku nominated a representative who served as secretary. Ardo himself functioned as secretary of the committee.
According to him, the idea to float the ADA originated from him and was strongly advocated within the opposition coalition. However, the momentum shifted when members aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition reportedly withdrew support for the new platform.
Ardo disclosed that the committee had agreed on the plan and proceeded to submit an application for registration to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He added that Amaechi later distanced himself from the process after indicating interest in contesting the presidency under the ADC and subsequently registering with the party in his home state of Cross River.
He further stated that Atiku’s representative also left the committee and took up a position within the ADC structure.
Despite these developments, Ardo maintained that the ADA project remains on course. He said the promoters swiftly reconvened, replaced the affected committee members, and resubmitted the necessary documentation to INEC.
He argued that the departure of key figures should not invalidate the registration effort, adding that some of those who initially left have now expressed renewed interest in joining the ADA to prevent potential legal complications.